Arts District conflict with MnDOT’s plan
There are three major features of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District conflict with MnDOT’s plan to reconstruct Central Avenue: it is designated as a cultural corridor; the Minneapolis-designated Arts District boundaries include Central Avenue; and the Minneapolis City Council unanimously voted to consent to MnDOT incorporating the Art Walk into its VQAC planning. MnDOT’s lack of communication suggests it is slow at best and dismissive at worst in addressing and working with the Arts District to resolve these conflicts and challenges.
This disconnect and lack of acknowledgment of what already exists culturally in NE Minneapolis will taint MnDOT’s planned work. Good planning typically asks, beyond safety and function when entering a community, how we can enhance the community, disrupting it as little as possible.
The current plans call for a two- to three-year reconstruction of Central Avenue from 694 down to 8th St NE, in sections. During that construction time, depending on whether you are downstream from the construction, businesses will potentially lose 40%-50% of their audience because people will be redirected to avoid using Central Avenue for their commute or daily needs. Seth Stattmiller of Recovery Bike said that when Lowry Avenue was under reconstruction, they lost 50% of their business, and they are not even on Lowry Ave. The Dairy Queen on Lowry went out of business and nothing has taken its place two years later.
When construction is right in front of their establishment, it is possible they could lose 50%-90% of their regular income because cars, trucks, and buses will be severely limited or redirected. MnDOT, the city, and the state will NOT offer any financial assistance during the reconstruction. To add insult to injury, under Minneapolis city policy, when a street is fully reconstructed, adjacent property owners must pay a portion of the Minneapolis section of the $85 project budget (traditionally about 4% of the total infrastructure cost). For many, the only options will be to take out loans to survive.
The question is: what do businesses get when Central Avenue fully reopens? In short, not much different than what they have visually now. Some important improvements will be made, but many establishments will likely go under due to the longevity of the project. Is it the State’s responsibility to ensure these businesses survive the street’s reconstruction? What could the State do to help? Right now – it is only up to the local community to support Central Avenue businesses.
The Art Walk is a major opportunity for businesses, the public, and the city to help before, during, and after construction. By bringing curiosity and iconic art to Central Avenue, the art can help bring back customers and restore the culture. Looking forward to something is a major positive thinking practice, it activates reward pathways in the brain, boosts mood, and builds emotional resilience. Creative thinkers are necessary; luckily, with 1200 plus artists among us, the Arts District can harness these creatives to help with the fallout of reconstruction. Events and community engagement will be necessary to help mitigate revenue losses for Central Avenue businesses. If MnDOT does not create an environment that encourages revitalization, Central Avenue businesses will be left to fend for themselves. That kind of neglect could be seen as malpractice and highlights the disconnect between MnDOT and any community that goes through massive reconstruction.
The goal should be to find a process and pathway for MnDOT to work with the Arts District to develop and maintain an art walk. This stage doesn’t require any money from MnDOT. What is needed is a willingness to engage forthrightly. Solutions are possible only when all parties engage with integrity to find a cohesive vision.
